Widespread panic has engulfed Kadarko community in Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State following the abduction of a catechist of St. Joseph Catholic Church, his pregnant wife, and more than 30 other residents by suspected bandits.
The attack, which occurred recently, has forced the majority of villagers to flee their homes in fear of further violence, leaving the once-bustling rural settlement nearly deserted. Residents sought refuge in neighbouring communities, with many relocating temporarily to safer areas to avoid potential repeat attacks.
Among those abducted was a catechist serving at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Kadarko, along with his expectant wife. The scale of the kidnapping has intensified anxiety among locals, who say such incidents have become increasingly frequent in parts of Kaduna State.
Speaking on ARISE Television about the situation, the Parish Priest of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Rev. Fr. Linus Matthew Bobai, painted a grim picture of the aftermath of the attack and the prevailing insecurity in the area.
“Initially, after the incident, some soldiers came from the neighbouring village,” Father Bobai said. “They came and then they went around for a few minutes. We saw them, and they came back and then that’s all.”
His comments suggest that while security personnel responded to the distress call, their presence was brief, leaving residents uncertain about their long-term safety. The priest expressed concern about the vulnerability of the community and the psychological toll the attack has taken on villagers.
“We are handicapped. The community, we are under tension,” he said. “Over 98 percent of the community went to a nearby village, Kenya, to sleep last yesterday and today.”
According to Father Bobai, the exodus has left Kadarko largely abandoned, with only a small fraction of residents choosing to remain behind. He noted that fewer than 40 people stayed in the village on the nights following the attack.
“As I just said, yesterday and today, we slept in this village — we are not up to 40 that slept in this village,” he explained. “Many of them went away because of fear, so we are very tense.”
The mass displacement underscores the deep sense of insecurity that has taken root in the community. Families fled with little notice, prioritising safety over property, livestock and livelihoods. For many, the decision to leave was driven by the fear that the attackers could return.
Despite the climate of fear, Father Bobai said some community leaders, including pastors, have chosen to remain in Kadarko to provide spiritual and moral support to those who stayed behind.
“Some of us are afraid, but we cannot run away because we are pastors,” he said. “And a few others, we encourage them to stay behind, to look after the community, and to trust in God’s faithfulness.”
His remarks reflect both the emotional strain and the sense of duty felt by religious leaders who continue to serve in volatile areas. By remaining, they aim to reassure frightened residents and maintain a semblance of normalcy amid uncertainty.
Banditry and mass abductions have posed persistent security challenges in parts of northern Nigeria, particularly in rural communities where limited security presence leaves residents vulnerable. Kidnappings for ransom have become a common tactic, targeting villagers, farmers, religious leaders and students.
The abduction of a church worker and his pregnant wife has further heightened concerns about the safety of faith-based communities. Residents are calling on authorities to intensify security patrols, conduct search-and-rescue operations, and restore confidence in the area.
As of the time of reporting, there has been no official statement detailing efforts to secure the release of the abducted individuals. Families of the victims remain in anguish, uncertain about their loved ones’ condition or whereabouts.
For the people of Kadarko, the priority remains the safe return of those taken and the restoration of peace to their community. Until then, the village stands as a stark reminder of the insecurity that continues to disrupt lives and displace families across parts of Kaduna State.
